Fans hoping to revisit the underwater dystopia of Rapture in a full modern remake will have to keep waiting perhaps indefinitely. According to multiple reports, 2K quietly shelved its BioShock remake project earlier this year, shifting its focus toward the troubled development of the next mainline entry in the series.

The remake, which was never formally announced, had been in the works for several years at an undisclosed studio under the 2K label. Sources suggest the project aimed to rebuild the 2007 original from the ground up, updating both visuals and gameplay to meet current-generation standards while keeping the core story intact.

While the exact reasons for shelving the remake remain unconfirmed, insiders point to resource allocation and production bottlenecks within the wider BioShock development pipeline. The in-progress BioShock 4 reportedly set in a new location far from Rapture and Columbia has faced its own challenges, including leadership changes and shifting creative direction.

For long-time fans, the news is a double blow. Not only has the prospect of a polished return to Rapture been put on hold, but uncertainty around the future of BioShock 4 leaves the series’ roadmap in question. Some industry watchers note that shelving a project doesn’t necessarily mean permanent cancellation; publishers sometimes revisit concepts years later, once priorities stabilize.

Until then, the original BioShock remains readily available on most platforms via the BioShock: The Collection remaster. While it lacks the sweeping technical overhaul a remake could deliver, it still preserves the haunting atmosphere, moral choices, and unforgettable storytelling that cemented the game’s legacy nearly two decades ago.

For now, the fate of both the remake and the next chapter in the series rests on how quickly 2K can steady the ship and whether it sees Rapture as worth another deep dive.